Ham Salad Spread Recipe

Ham: Finely chopped cooked ham is the main protein and flavor base for this spread.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together.

Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.

Sweet pickle relish: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch.

Onion: Finely chopped for a bit of sharpness and texture.

Celery: Finely chopped to add a fresh crunch.

Lemon juice: Adds a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the spread.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.

When preparing the ham for this recipe, ensure it is finely chopped to achieve a smooth and cohesive texture in the spread. Using a food processor can help achieve the desired consistency quickly and efficiently. Additionally, for a more nuanced flavor, consider lightly toasting the celery and onion in a pan before adding them to the mixture. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the overall taste.

• cooked ham - Substitute with cooked turkey: Turkey provides a similar texture and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of ham.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy consistency with fewer calories and added protein.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard has a milder flavor but can still provide the tangy taste needed in the spread.

• sweet pickle relish - Substitute with chopped dill pickles: Chopped dill pickles add a similar crunch and tang without the sweetness.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a milder flavor and a bit of color to the spread.

• finely chopped celery - Substitute with chopped bell peppers: Bell peppers provide a similar crunch and add a sweet flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides the needed acidity and a slight fruity note.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To keep your ham salad spread fresh and delicious, transfer it to an airtight container. This will prevent any unwanted odors from mingling with your spread.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The ham salad spread will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any separated ingredients.
• If you want to enjoy your ham salad spread over a longer period, freezing is an option. However, be aware that the texture may change slightly due to the mayonnaise.
• To freeze, spoon the ham salad spread into a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Leave a bit of space at the top to allow for expansion.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. The ham salad spread can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
• When you're ready to use the frozen ham salad spread, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain food safety.
• Once thawed, give the ham salad spread a good stir to bring back its creamy consistency. If needed, you can add a bit more mayonnaise to restore its texture.
• For the best flavor and texture, consume the thawed ham salad spread within 2-3 days.

• For a quick and easy method, spread the ham salad on a slice of bread and toast it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. The mayonnaise will warm up, and the ham will get a nice, slightly crispy edge.
• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spread the ham salad on a slice of bread and place it in the skillet. Cover with a lid and heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the ham is warmed through.
• For a more gourmet touch, make a ham salad melt. Spread the ham salad on a slice of bread, top with a slice of cheese (like Swiss or cheddar), and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• If you have a microwave, place the ham salad in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For a picnic or outdoor option, wrap the ham salad in aluminum foil and place it on a grill over medium heat. Grill for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the ham is warmed through.
• If you want to add a bit of crunch, spread the ham salad on a slice of bread and top with a few slices of tomato or cucumber. Toast in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and the ham is warmed.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Knife: Essential for finely chopping the ham, onion, and celery.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the correct amount of ham and mayonnaise.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly.

• Refrigerator: Keeps the ham salad spread fresh until ready to serve.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the ham, onion, and celery ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop the ham and other ingredients using a food processor to save time.

Pre-measure condiments: Measure out the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and sweet pickle relish before starting.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of ham salad spread and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

Efficient mixing: Use a large mixing bowl to combine all ingredients at once, ensuring even distribution and saving time.